Ugh-picking paint colors-where to begin!!

[KarenB]

Our house needs a fresh coat of paint. I wanted to get it done this summer and obviously I didn't . I would love to hear opinions. Here is what I am working with:

-small ranch style home, but huge front windows
-need bright and simple to keep my sanity
-all hardwood floors, mix of antiques-some pieces are large and heavy but make a statement, kind of a Hilton Head feel to it
-galley kitchen with light cabinets, ceramic tile, green counter top
-now it is mostly a neutral beige(?) color in most rooms, sage green in master, one dark green wall in the kitchen
-I LOVE the colors of beachy homes such as pale blues, natural brown tones BUT I keep thinking I live in central PA, not the beach...can I still go for this? These are the colors I tend to reach for first as I look at paint chips.
-both kids in college so no need for young children worries

Any suggestions??? I have been to Lowes countless times to pick up paint chips and am getting totally confused
Thanks!!
Karen

Where is old snoopy when I need her?? She was always a great help when it came to threads like this one!!!

 

[dawson5]

I start with magazines. I rip out pics of things I like, I find them advertisements for basement remodel, pics in the newspaper, etc. Find what you like, keep them together and I think you'll end up with a pattern. Certain colors/styles. I also keep all of the paint chips in a manilla envelope. I have also grabbed 4 of the larger paint chips and put them together on a wall and left them there for a few days to get a feel for the color and if it would work in the room. It helps.

As for the beach style, if it's what you like, do it. My best buddy in Ohio used to have a southwest theme in her family room. It didn't fit the area but it was what she liked. As long as you like it and it works, do it.

 

[Chicago526]

It's your home, decorate it how YOU like. If you want a beach-y feel, then go for it! And remember, paint is the cheapest "home remodel" project you can do. If it turns out you picked a color that just doesn't work, you can always paint over it with a better color.

Also, they have small quart sized samples now, if you just aren't sure about a color just by looking at a paint chip, get a quart and put it up on the wall. This lets you really see it in the rooms natural lighting, at night with lamps on and such, and next to your furnature, drapes, carpet, etc.

 

[KarenB]

I remember a few years ago I wanted to do a drastic change in our bedroom. I thought red was the way to go.....haha.....I bought the paint, started painting and actually got sick in my stomach with the color!!! I quickly returned the unopened gallon and went with the sage green we have now. Funny how colors can play with the mind!!!

Karen

 

[Bren's Mom]

I just learned a lesson, the hard way, about picking paint. I chose 2 colors for my dining room. A neutral tan on top, a lovely green on the bottom. (Above and below a chair rail.) The paint looks fantastic on the wall, my dh did a great job. I love the colors. BUT...can't find window treatments that go with the green paint! It's been terrible.

So I'd strongly suggest choosing any new furniture if you're changing any of it out, then choosing accessories and window treatments for each room and THEN picking paint colors based on that.

I have no problem with a Hilton Head/beachy/shore theme home in PA. Whatever makes you feel happy when you walk in the door is what I'd do! I wouldn't paint too many rooms very specific paint colors (like a bright blue for example) if you're planning to sell anytime soon OR if you think you might get tired of it. You can do many shades of sand colors for the paint, with the other beachy colors for accent pillows, rugs, window treatments, etc. and have the option of changing things out in a few years without having to repaint again.

 

[dawson5]

my mom has a red bedroom, not red tomato red but a warmer, subdued red. With all of her dark furniture and billowy white sheers, it just works. I don't know if I could do red in my bedroom but in hers it works beautifully.

 

[dawson5]

I just learned a lesson, the hard way, about picking paint. I chose 2 colors for my dining room. A neutral tan on top, a lovely green on the bottom. (Above and below a chair rail.) The paint looks fantastic on the wall, my dh did a great job. I love the colors. BUT...can't find window treatments that go with the green paint! It's been terrible.

So I'd strongly suggest choosing any new furniture if you're changing any of it out, then choosing accessories and window treatments for each room and THEN picking paint colors based on that.

I have no problem with a Hilton Head/beachy/shore theme home in PA. Whatever makes you feel happy when you walk in the door is what I'd do! I wouldn't paint too many rooms very specific paint colors (like a bright blue for example) if you're planning to sell anytime soon OR if you think you might get tired of it. You can do many shades of sand colors for the paint, with the other beachy colors for accent pillows, rugs, window treatments, etc. and have the option of changing things out in a few years without having to repaint again.

have you looked at the fabric shop? Our JoAnn's has some really lovely fabric, I want to take DH in to see what he likes. He's usually easy going about this stuff but he does have some definite dislikes. I would hate to spend $$$ and find out that he absolutely hated the fabric.

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[Bren's Mom]

have you looked at the fabric shop? Our JoAnn's has some really lovely fabric, I want to take DH in to see what he likes. He's usually easy going about this stuff but he does have some definite dislikes. I would hate to spend $$$ and find out that he absolutely hated the fabric.

My dh could care less. LOL But I have been to Joann's and also another locally owned fabric place. Nada. A friend did give me about 10 lower 'tiers' that are a pretty chintz, black with a nice floral that does have some of the right green. The black looks good against the tan and I intend to do some black furniture in there, perhaps the hutch and the chairs. But they're all tiers. So I'm currently trying to figure out how to do something with them as a topper of some kind, not just a straight valance. (I've seen some valances that were sort of 'drapey', if you know what I mean. Can't figure out how to sew that though.)

 

[KarenB]

A shameless bump for any other opinions....

 

[laughinplace199]

Go with what you like. You can have a beachy feel t your home if that's what you want!

One of my favorite paint colors is called "paladian blue" from Benjamin Moore. It's a greenish, bluish color (depending on the light0 and it's just so pretty. It would definitely fit in with a beachy theme.

Good luck!

 

[Mom2Nick]

Can you post some kitchen pictures and pictures of some other rooms showing your furnishings and the shade of your floors? It always helps me to see the space etc.

 

[Buckalew11]

Karen,
I live in TN with a beachy house! Hey, it is mine and it is what I what to come too, ya know? I also have an outside shower so all I need is to put in an ocean in the back yard! LOL

My bedroom is painted a Waverly color from Lowe's called "Summer Cottage". "Beach House" is a little more intense and pretty also. I have white bead board on the bottom of the walls. I'm building a new house and doing my new bedroom exactly like my old one(summer cottage). I love it that much--very soothing, relaxing and perfect beachy feel to it.

Good luck!!!

 

[RitaZ.]

I always start with the mood I want to create. One of my friends painted her master bedroom in a navy color. It was a freaking nightmare!

Bren's mom, have you considered making a cornice? They are so easy to make (no sewing at all) and you can totally customize it to compliment your decor. One of my friends taught me how to put them together. I bought a lightweight foam board from Rag Shop to make the cornice. I measured the length of the window and cut the foam to the shape that I wanted, joined the pieces together with hot glue, sprayed glue on the part that I wanted to cover with batting and fabric. I had DH install L brackets above the window casing, attached double sided Velcro to the cornice and the L bracket and attached the cornice to it. That's it! My friend helped me to put one together and I did one by myself. It's easier if you have someone helping you.

Here are a few pics I found (not mine) to give you some ideas:

 

[Buckalew11]

Karen,

Here is a link to those Waverly samples. I took the Waverly paint chip to my favorite paint store (sells Gliddon paint) and had them make it up for me. Mine is the last one on this page and Beach House the 2nd one. There are some beautiful beachy colors out there for sure! http://www.waverly.com/products_fin...&prodPerPage=24&productColor=13&productType=3

 

[KarenB]

Karen,

Here is a link to those Waverly samples. I took the Waverly paint chip to my favorite paint store (sells Gliddon paint) and had them make it up for me. Mine is the last one on this page and Beach House the 2nd one. There are some beautiful beachy colors out there for sure! http://www.waverly.com/products_fin...&prodPerPage=24&productColor=13&productType=3

Thanks for the link. I am going to play around on it now and head out to lowes to get some of the small sample cans of paint later today!!!